Brazil exit despite emphatic win over South Africa

Brazil finished their Uruguay 2018 campaign on a high, defeating South Africa 4-1 in Montevideo on the final matchday in Group B at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup.

It was an even match in the first half, as South Africa’s tactic early on was to play balls over the top of Brazil’s defence. It nearly paid off on three occasions, with Brazil goalkeeper Mayara thwarting efforts by South Africa forward Chelsea Daniels on multiple occasions.

The second half looked like a completely different game, as four goals were incredibly scored within four minutes shortly after the restart. Brazil took a quick two-goal lead through Jhennifer’s 20-yard strike and then Julia’s penalty, which was converted after Michie Minnies received a red card for handling the ball while preventing a clear goalscoring opportunity.

Despite going down a player, South Africa found a goal of their own just two minutes later through Zethembiso Vilakazi, who wriggled her way through the Brazil penalty area before rounding goalkeeper Mayara and placing the ball into the open net.

However, Brazil quickly regained their two-goal lead when substitute Amanda poked home a goal a minute later.

Maria Eduarda then scored the pick of the bunch to give Brazil more breathing room, with a fiercely-hit shot from the top of the penalty area that flew into the top right corner of South Africa’s goal.

You can bet a few eyes were glued to their phones to check the result of the Japan-Mexico match, with Brazil’s fate dependent on the outcome in Maldonado.

Japan and Mexico finished 1-1, which meant that, despite their convincing win on Tuesday afternoon, Brazil narrowly missed out on a quarter-final berth at Uruguay 2018.